Mar. 24--GERLACH, Nev. - A 1,200-megawatt coal-burning plant planned for the remote northwest of Nevada has been placed on hold while company officials evaluate their $2 billion proposal.

Because of "significant market developments," Sempra Energy this month halted an environmental review of the Granite Fox plant to assess the size and scope of the project, said Art Larson, a spokesman for the San Diego-based utility company.

Lassen County officials are worried that the plant's water demand would affect ranching operations just across the state line in California.